DEFIANCE Uncut 142

DDK:
Welcome to our latest edition of UNCUT here from the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse in Cleveland, Ohio! I’m “Downtown” Darren Keebler and as always, I’ve got my broadcast colleague Lance Warner to help me break down the action!

Lance:
Thanks, Darren! I’m ready! We’ve got Titanes Familia in action later tonight! Caitlyn Kinsey tries to score a win when she takes on Nathan Eye of M4NTRA! And up next, before he takes on Corvo Alpha in one week’s time in a No Disqualification match, Vae Victis’ loyal servant, Butcher Victorious, takes on Nicky Synz!

DDK:
That match is first up, so let’s get to the action as UNCUT starts… now! 

To Darren Quimbey at ringside as the opening bell rings to signify the next match. 

Darren Quimbey:
The following singles match is set for one fall! Introducing first… 

♫ “Good F***king Music” by Solange (covered by Synyster Sledge) ♫

Nicky Synz, your favorite rock star and mine, emerge through the curtain to a nice positive reaction using a new theme song! Synz’s long blond hair ripples in the wind as he headbangs along with his new theme song. On his way to the ring, he continues to headbang and slap the outstretched hands of some of the younger fans in attendance. 

Darren Quimbey:
…From Los Angeles, California… weighing in at 216 pounds… he is NICKY SYNZ!

Synz is on the apron, playing a little air guitar and rocking out, before he enters the ring. He jumps up the top rope and plays a little more guitar to the people!

DDK:
Nicky Synz scored the win a couple weeks ago over the BRAZEN giant, Somchai. Tonight, he’s got Butcher Victorious!

Lance:
Say what you want about Butcher, but he’s been studying under the learning tree of Oscar Burns and when he applies himself, he can get it done in the ring. 

The camera cuts to Nicky in the ring as his intro fades and gives way to his opponent. 

♫ “Stranger Fruit (instrumental)’ by Zeal & Ardor ♫

The lights dim to a burgundy hue all throughout as the haunting melody starts to play… but instead of the regular lyrics… It’s Butcher Victorious. With his signature microphone attached to a mic stand he’s carrying with him to the ring. 

DDK:
I’m gonna start wearing earplugs when he does this. 

Butcher Victorious:
VAE VICTIS WITH YOUR FRIEND BUTCH VIC! THAT’S MY NAME AND I GOT THE STICK! BREE-WOO! BREE-WOO! STRANGER FRUIT, BEANS ARE MUSICAL FRUIT, THE MORE YOU EAT, THE MORE YOU TOOT! BREE-WOO! BREE-WOO!

He continues crooning. 

Butcher Victorious:
NICKY SYNZ! YOUR MUSIC SUCK! IT SOUNDS DUMB AND NO ONE GIVES A… AHH!

Butcher falls on the stage and trips! He dusts himself off and then tries to pretend like he did it on purpose while the instrumental to Vae Victis’ theme continues playing.

Lance:
Butcher Victorious, ladies and gentlemen…

Butcher climbs into the ring and then dusts himself off again. He checks THE STICK(™) to make sure it’s working still, then gets ready for the opening contest. Referee Rex Knox calls for the bell.

DING DING

Both Victorious and Synz circle up with one another before they lock up. It is right to a headlock for Butcher Victorious who laughs and has control of The Frontman. 

Lance:
It’s clear to see that Oscar Burns’ influence has rubbed off on Butcher Victorious’ in-ring. Trying to slow down Nicky Synz, who likes to take flight and brawl. 

But Nicky Synz has the key for the headlock and he sends Butcher in the ropes. Butch Vic comes back and knocks him down with a shoulder block followed by going low and applying a second headlock! 

DDK:
Great work by Butcher! This match he has looming with Corvo Alpha next week… there won’t be any trading of headlocks and mat wrestling, but Butcher Victorious will have to use everything at his disposal if he has ANY chance!

Despite the Vae Victis lackey’s attempts to keep him down, Nicky Synz fights his way back to his feet and then goes back to the ropes again. He pushes Butcher to the ropes, but Victorious grabs him on the return and spins around to whip Nicky. The Frontman comes back and catches Butcher by surprise with a headscissors takedown! Butcher scrambles to the floor while the Cleveland Faithful lend Nicky some love as he gets back to his feet!

DDK:
Butch tries to keep him down, but Nicky takes control! And now he’s about to take flight! 

With the quickness, The Frontman runs off the ropes, throws up the horns and then RIPS right through the ropes with a big suicide dive that wipes out Butcher on the floor!

Lance:
Great series of moves by Nicky Synz! He told me earlier today he was taking this match seriously. Even a victory over a Vae Victis-adjacent star like Butcher is going to get him noticed! 

Nicky starts to jam on the air guitar for the cheering crowd, then goes over to pick up Butcher. He throws him back into the ring and then starts to climb up top. When he’s there, he stands to his full height, throws up the horns and then dives off the top for a big diving crossbody! 

DDK:
Perfect diving crossbody off the top! Cover by Nicky!

ONE!

TWO… NO!

Butcher kicks out quickly and tries to roll away after the two-count, but Nicky stays on him with a pair of chops aimed right at his chest! The Faithful make noise for him as he backs him off to the corner. 

Lance:
Nicky making the most of this opportunity tonight. He defeated Somchai from BRAZEN on our last UNCUT and wants to follow that up with another big win under his belt. 

DDK:
Nicky whipping Butcher to the ropes… no, Butcher slides out of the ring! 

Victorious is outside on the ring apron, but The Frontman follows him. He tries to kick Butcher through the ropes… no! Butch Vic suckers him in and then SNAPS the leg with an Oscar Burns-approved dragon screw in between the ropes! Nicky hobbles away from the ropes while The Faithful jeer Butcher, now tapping his forehead to show how much he’s learned. 

DDK:
Ooh! That was unique! I’ve called a lot of matches were Oscar used that dragon screw as a lethal weapon for both flyers and giants alike! 

Lance:
It’s too bad, if Butcher Victorious had any self-respect, he wouldn’t be taking the garbage that Vae Victis pulls him through. 

Butcher glides quickly through the ropes just as Nicky Synz tries to stand, only to hit a dropkick to the knee! Nicky crumbles again and once he hits the mat, Butcher speeds off the ropes and hits a flipping senton and knocks the wind out of him! He hooks the legs of Synz after the move. 

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Lance:
Kickout by Synz, but Butcher is already back on that knee! 

With some great tactical work, Butcher grabs the leg and then pulls him over into a high and tight half-crab! He cranks the knee back and now has Synz fully trapped in a halfway-decent submission!

DDK:
If Butcher is going to have any chance next week against Corvo Alpha at all, the knees will be the way to go!

Lance:
The crowd is clapping for Nicky Synz! They want to see him get out of this! 

The Faithful start clapping at him as he struggles his way to the ropes. Butcher is standing and keeps the hold up, but The Frontman finally makes his way there… and gets it! The Cleveland Faithful cheer for the gutsy Synz while Butcher is shouting at referee Rex Knox about swearing he tapped out… but he didn’t. 

DDK:
No, Butcher, he didn’t tap out. 

But when the Vae Victis lackey sees Synz near the ropes, he runs off the other side and comes back to collide with the Landslide Victory! 

Lance:
What a move there! That cannonball against the ropes is a vicious move! 

Butcher goes for the cover on Synz! 

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Lance:
Another kickout by Nicky! Butcher looks like he’s gonna wrap this one up! 

Butcher pulls up Nicky by the neck in a front facelock and scans the crowd. He pulls him up for his finishing move called A Winner Is Me… but before he can hit the Ranhei variation, Nicky flips out and hits a sit-out jawbreaker! 

DDK:
Nicky counters Butcher! The sit-out jawbreaker sends Butcher back into the corner!

Synz slowly limps back to his feet and then is slowed down by the leg. He fights to get feeling back into it before he charges and nails Butcher in the corner with a back elbow. Normally, Nicky Synz would roll out of the corner for his next move, but hobbles away to charge again and hit a corner spear! After the Double Platinum combo connects, Nicky grabs Butcher in the corner and connects with a big tornado DDT! 

DDK:
That Double Platinum combo of Nicky got hampered by the leg, but the Tornado DDT did not! Cover on Butcher!

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Lance:
Butcher kicks out, but Nicky could be on his way to a win if he keeps this up!

Nicky goes through the ropes and to the apron with Butcher still down. He goes for the Flying V springboard senton, but Butcher moves! Nicky tries to adjust the landing, but lands on the bad leg! That leads to Butcher taking advantage with a kick to the gut and hits A Winner Is Me!

Lance:
Butcher takes advantage of the bad leg! He scores with A Winner is Me! 

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING

♫ “Stranger Fruit (instrumental)’ by Zeal & Ardor ♫

Darren Quimbey:
Here is your winner… BUTCHER V… 

Butcher rolls out of the ring to shove Quimbey away and take his microphone!

Butcher Victorious:
A WINNER IS ME! A WINNER IS ME! SUCK DEEZ NUTS! CORVO ALPHA! YOU’RE GONNA NEED GOD! AND JESUS! AND ALL THEM OTHER GODS, NEW AND OLD TESTAMENT, EVEN THE ONES IN THE VERY BACK OF THE GOD BOOK TO STOP ME NEXT WE… AH!

Once again, Butcher trips after getting excited for his win. 

DDK:
…

Lance:
…We’ll be right back. 

Caitlyn Kinsey is in the locker room, angrily sending a text message on her phone. Her raven colored hair is in Manic Pixie Dream Girl mode, with a candy necklace around her neck but with a more preppy-ish, new pink and canary yellow dress.  She's reading "Brave New World" by Alodous Huxley. 

From off-screen, we hear a very cocky sounding Brayden “Dubya” Leverington.

Dubya:
Why if it isn’t the gal I was just hoping to run into tonight. I hope JJ isn’t around.

Dubya has a wide smile on his face (one that says he knows JJ “isn’t around” as someone slashed the tires of Teri Melton’s Rolls Royce after her and JJ’s date at the Memory Lane Diner. He’s wearing a “Company Men” Patagonia vest over a pink dress shirt tucked into pressed khakis. He has a bandage on his forehead, a healing split lip and a bit of a limp courtesy of the beating he took from NDR at the last DEFtv.

Caitlyn Kinsey (said curtly):
What do you want, Dubya?

Dubya:
Oh, phew, JJ isn’t here. That way, he can’t hear me thank you for riding with me and Cristiano in the ambulance. Especially me.

Caitlyn Kinsey: 
Please. You know that was an accident. I want nothing to do with you.

Dubya:
(Sighs.) Caitlyn, darling, I’m not the bad guy you think I am. 

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Whatever. Leave me alone.

Dubya smirks when she doesn’t turn her head away from him.

Dubya:
Why am I the bad guy? Because I have successful parents who were able to give me opportunities? Because I went to good schools and got my MBA from the most prestigious business school in the world? 

Caitlyn Kinsey:
No, it’s because of --

Dubya:
What we did to your boy’s boys? Before they jumped us? Look, Raiden and Reeves are the scumbags here. Me and Cristiano? We weren’t doing anything in BRAZEN. We might have been in line for the pink slip. We weren’t going anywhere... and then your grandmother gave us some advice, and we were happy to take it. And I know, Caitlyn, you like your grandmother.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
That’s none of your business. Plus, you’re so obnoxious with the whole better than the fans stuff.

Dubya:
(Chuckles) Right. Like you don’t believe that you’re better than people, either.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
I don’t. 

Dubya:
Riiiighhhhht. I know you didn’t exactly have a lot of friends back home, right? A lot of nights alone, either training or reading your books? You felt out of place. Like you had nothing in common with your classmates. Like you were headed to places they could never dream about? Like the people all around you were holding you down, and you couldn’t wait to leave? Like you felt better than everyone? 

Caitlyn Kinsey:
You don’t know anything about --

Dubya:
That was in the documentary about you guys. I picked up that you were a little more than the shy girl with a lot of talent. And the first time I watched the documentary was when, well... was when I knew I wanted to date you.

There’s a very awkward pause between them as Caitlyn then turns her head away from him.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
No. Absolutely not. I have JJ. Get out of here. We’re in love.

Dubya:
I’m sure you think you love JJ... but his whole ‘fighting for a bigger purpose and that just having a really nice life based on the hard work you put in and the hard work of your grandmother.. I’m not sure you believe in all that. And there isn’t anything wrong with that, darling. Nothing at all. Plus...

Caitlyn braces for what he’s about to say.

Dubya:
You didn’t tell your grandmother ‘no’ about her offer to join us.  

He smiles at her. And then he points to her locker.

Dubya:
Guess you didn’t see the book I left you yet. Because that’s another thing we have in common. I read books.

She looks at the book. It’s “The Fountainhead” by Ayn Rand.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Are you serious? “The Fountainhead?” There’s a reason why I haven’t read it yet.

Dubya:
I think you’ll find it fetch.

Caitlyn gives him a “you cannot have seriously said that” look.

Dubya:
I put it off for a while, too. But then your grandma gave me her copy and it made me realize how right me and Cristiano are in the choices we made. So, maybe give that a read yourself. Because JJ? Well, I don’t think he’s letting you make up your mind for yourself.

Caitlyn sighs.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Look, I have to get ready for my match...

Dubya nods and wishes her good luck before walking off. Caitlyn again angrily texts on her phone. Then she reaches up and grabs the book Dubya got her and starts reading it.

♫ “Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon” by Urge Overkill ♫

The Latin-influenced song from the Pulp Fiction soundtrack plays. Caitlyn Kinsey, ever apprehensive, comes walking out from the back. She’s wearing pink and yellow tights and a matching halter that reads “The Prodigy” across the top. She comes out to modest applause as she stands on the top rope and raises her left hand high in the air.

DDK:
Here is Caitlyn Kinsey, who has struggled immensely since arriving here to DEFIANCE.

Lance:
You have to feel bad for Caityln. She was forced, more or less, to “cut the line” at the behest of her grandmother, Tabitha Kinsey. Caitlyn’s young, and she has a lot of talent. But she’s facing experienced competition and it’s clear she’s struggling to keep up. Whether this pays off in the long-term for her or not remains to be seen.

DDK:
In addition, Caitlyn and her boyfriend JJ Dixon find themselves in the middle of the war that has emerged between the aforementioned Tabitha Kinsey and her tag team, The Company Men, against Teri Melton’s NDR tandem... and now it appears that Dubya is also after Caitlyn’s heart!

Lance:
It appears that JJ and Teri have regained some level of a partnership again, as what we were able to witness earlier in their “trip at Memory Lane” DEF Digital Exclusive before Uncut. But unless someone clued her in, Caitlyn doesn’t appear to have known about the results of that meeting -- and Teri’s offer for her to join Your Uncut Gems!

CONCEPTUALIZE
ACTUALIZE
REALIZE

♫ “All Eyes On Me” by Jean Deaux ♫

Those words and the song appear on the DEFiatron as the crowd immediately boos. Spring out from behind (without Tom Morrow) is Nathan Eye, holding up his book (now available on DEFShop) “251 Pages of Pure Perseverance” above his head, clad in his white ring gear with gold trim and his “Third Eye” glasses on his head. Next to him, his tag team partner Declan Alexander is there to support him after their training montage from earlier this evening.

DDK:
And her opponent tonight is making a retuning foray into singles action tonight even as has moved on to form the M4ANTRA tag team with Declan Alexander!

Lance:
This is also an interesting matchup, to say the least. At DEFCON, Nathan Eye defeated Caitlyn’s boyfriend JJ Dixon in a dog collar match, albeit via a loophole. But Nathan did damage JJ’s left shoulder heavily in that match, which contributed to him being shelved these past few months just as his career was taking off.

Nathan Eye and DEC4L start their walk with Nathan Eye asking for a microphone. 

Nathan Eye: [grabs the microphone]
Caitlyn Kinsey, I know that times have been tough for you here so far. You have been embarrassed in every match so far. I also triumphed over your boyfriend at DEFCON and the match was not that competitive. If you have not heard, I endured an injured shoulder and conquered a major and often fatal disease -- a staph infection -- and was out of action for 14 months!

Lance:
Yes, we have heard all of this. Many times.

Nathan Eye:
I have detailed my amazing, personal journey in my book “251 Pages of Pure Perseverance.” In order to help your struggling career, I would like to offer you a 10 percent discount to purchase my inspirational book, which is now available on DEFShop! I helped save Declan Alexander – my best friend and tag team partner in M4NTRA and I can save you too!

Booooo!

Nathan shows off Declan Alexander and gives him a high five. DEC4L is there at ringside to support his tag team partner and friend.

The crowd pops huge as the 6’0” tall Caitlyn runs with a big boot right to the book, and into Nathan’s face! The book goes flying, and Nathan goes flying into the turnbuckle.

DING DING

Lance:
Caitlyn had enough of Nathan’s so-called inspiration! 

Caitlyn now charges with a running dropkick with Nathan in the corner. She then follows by a series of thrust kicks. Nathan is shocked by the attack from Caitlyn!

DDK:
Caitlyn Kinsey is showing a lot of aggressiveness here tonight!

Caitlyn then whips Nathan hard into the opposite corner and charges. But --

DDK:
Nathan with that Side-Eye pounce that sends Caitlyn doing a full 180 onto the mat. Oh dear.

Nathan has a phony smile on his face as he sees Caitlyn on the ground, holding her ribs as she has had the wind knocked out of her and then some! Nathan takes a moment and gets himself together and then points to the camera near ringside. 

Nathan Eye:
You! Yes, you there! Buy this book!

Lance:
Really? A cheap plug now?

DDK:
Nathan now picks Caitlyn up --

Nathan whips her back hard onto the mat with a snap suplex, right onto that already hurt midsection.

Lance:
While Nathan Eye is certainly irritating, he’s also very, very, very good. He also, despite his desires to help us all reach our fullest, has a very prominent mean streak! 

Nathan raises his hand high in the air with a smile on his face. He then hits a leg drop, picks Caitlyn up, and whips her into the ropes with a Pop-Up Spinebuster!

DDK:
He calls that Rise and Grind!

Lance:
And another move targeting Caitlyn’s ribs and mid-section. You really have to hand it here to Nathan tonight.

Nathan now on the ring apron, where he yells out “Conceptualize! Actualize! Realize!” to boos. Then he springboard to the top rope and drops an elbow right to her ribs.

Lance:
That’s his devastating finisher, Eyes Up Here! Targeted perfectly to the area he has been targeting all match long.

Referee Carla Ferrari makes the count.

One... Two... Three!

DING DING DING

Nathan celebrates the win.

Darren Quimbey:
You winner... Nathan Eye!!!

DDK:
A very quick win by Nathan Eye tonight, which will no doubt please Tom Morrow, and (possibly) his new tag partner in M4NTRA Declan Alexander!

Lance:
And also maybe a warning to the Titantes Familia, their upcoming opponents at MAXIMUM DEFIANCE!

Nathan snatches his copy of “251 Pages of Perseverance” that was lying on the floor, and holds it high over his head as he walks to the back in victory. He and Declan depart the ringside area and then continue to discuss their business coming up with Titanes Familia. Carla Ferrari goes to help Caitlyn up, who is trying to get to her feet.

DDK:
Oh! Caitlyn just shoved Carla hard to the mat!

Lance:
That might even result in a fine!

Caitlyn now rolls to ringside, to the timekeeper’s table. She sweeps everything off the table and screams, then goes back to holding her ribs. She then picks up a chair, and whips it recklessly into the steps. A few members of the crowd start booing her.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Hush your mouths!

Lance:
You can just see the frustration building in the young Caitlyn, but this isn’t how you deal with losing!

She continues to walk up, her eyes in tears as she holds her sides.

It is dawn and the sun is just coming up over Edgewater Beach in Cleveland on the edge of Lake Erie. Out walks Nathan Eye in a gray hoodie, sweatpants and a silver pair of “third eye” sunglasses protecting him from the sun’s rays. 

Nathan Eye:
Smell that salty ocean air, Declan? It smells like … hold on … 

The Golden State Guru looks like he is on the verge of vomiting. He tries to contain it. Once he does he keeps talking to his tag partner Declan Alexander who looks half asleep and possibly wondering what they are doing there after a long night of competitive gaming. He shakes up his shaker bottle full of whatever the latest start-up powdered energy drink company gave him a sponsorship and takes a long swig.

Nathan Eye:
Sorry, Dec. Seriously could they not clean this lake? This lake isn’t nearly as pristine as the water I have back home in San Fran. I think that lake might catch fire if someone made one wrong move … but enough jokes. Declan, you are so close to being enlightened, but we need one more good training session. Maybe something with some uplifting music in the background. Today, when I’m done with you my friend, you will be made up of 100% Pure Perseverance like me!

The PogChamp goes to speak but a large yawn escapes his mouth instead. He does a bit of light stretching before finally responding.

DEC4L:
I’m here to do whatever it takes, fam. I came to DEFIANCE to win. So let’s do this!

Nathan Eye:
That’s the right attitude! When today is over, you’re gonna be World Champion of Firewalking like I am! 

DEC4L:
Wait… hold up. That’s cap, right?

Nathan Eye:
This head of platinum blond greatness is too good for hats, but I’m not lying Declan! You got this cause unlike Dan Leo James and those Titanes Fake-milia, I’m your real friend! 

The Golden State Guru holds out a fist. A moment goes by before the Intrepid Influencer tosses his shaker bottle to the side and dabs him up. Natty Eyce pulls a bluetooth speaker out of his sweatpants and clicks a button on the side.

♫ “Mighty Wings” by Cheap Trick ♫

The scene cuts to later in the morning on the same beach where Declan Alexander is now shirtless running through the sand with a strap tied around his waist. Behind him, being dragged through the sand is Nathan Eye sitting on a lavender rug. He appears to be chanting words of encouragement to the PogChamp while holding the bluetooth speaker high into the air.

♫ It's just a ball of dust underneath my feet
It rolls around the sun it doesn't mean that much to me
Take a chance on the edge of life just like all the rest
I look inside and dig it out cause there's no points for second best ♫

It’s high noon at the Soldiers’ and Sailors’ Monument, traffic is a bustle behind it as Declan Alexander now runs up and down the stairs wearing a pair of wireless gaming headphones and a black shirt with the sleeves and sides cut out of it. A top the monument, the Golden State Guru paces while barking instructions down at his protege. 

♫ There's a raging fire in my heart tonight growing higher and higher in my soul
Lord! There's a raging fire in the sky tonight
I wanna ride on the silver dome far into the night ♫

Now in front of the iconic Rock And Roll Hall of Fame, Natty Eyce sits cross-legged on top of the “I” in the LONG LIVE ROCK display. His “third eye” sunglasses reflect the sun as he stares off into the distance. The scene zooms out to show Declan hanging from the “I” just below him doing pull-ups. Struggling, the Kingslayer shakes, desperately trying to get one more rep in to meet a surely unrealistic expectation.

♫ 'Till I make you take me on your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky
Take me on your mighty wings
Take me on your mighty wings tonight ♫

 A beautiful pink and orange sunset graces the deck of the USS Cod Monument docked on the lakefront of Lake Erie. Sweat drips down onto the deck from the brow of DEC4L as he pushes through to another level. Sitting on his back, Nate Eye adjusts his “third eye” sunglasses while observing the sunset across the most prominent lake to ever catch on fire in the United States. He takes a deep breath before gagging on the lake fumes causing Alexander to fall down on his chest.

♫ 'Till I make you take me on your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky
Take me on your mighty wings
Take me on your mighty wings tonight ♫

The guitar solo starts and promptly fades into the background as we find ourselves back on Edgewater Beach at dusk, where we first began. The Golden State Guru wears the same workout clothes he began with, looking sharp and pristine as Alexander is heaving breaths soaked in his own sweat.

Nathan Eye:
You’ve done great today my friend. Now we have only one last task before we call it a day and solidify you as a guru great like me. Then and only then will our bond be strong enough to beat those Titanes Familia posers! And while we were out, I called Tom and he put together our last little team-building exercise! 

Nathan points out to where a row of coals is out in front of the M4NTRA team. Declan looks worried but Nathan Eye points to the coals. 

Nathan Eye:
Right now Declan, this is not about streaming! This is about believing! Conceptualize, Actualize and Realize what you want! Eyes on the Prize and you can walk over anything … or anyone … you want! 

DEC4L:
Do you think I’m really ready, Nate? What if I fail?

Nathan Eye:
Then my coal people will never have my business again! I mean … you won’t fail. Use the “third eye” that you have been bestowed with and envision success! Shut out the pain and you can overcome anything!

Taking a deep breath, Declan Alexander closes his eyes and breathes in the smelly lake air. He begins to mutter to himself.

DEC4L:
Conceptualize. Actualize. Realize. Conceptualize. Actualize. Realize.

He takes a step forward and the hot coals sound like they sear his flesh… but he doesn’t flinch. One foot at a time, he slowly makes his way across the coals. Nate jumps up and down in excitement, watching DEC4L cross the flaming sea like a proud father.

Nathan Eye:
Eyes on the prize my friend! It’s not just a great catchy motto I can slap on a t-shirt! It’s the real deal! You can do anything you want, Declan! 

DEC4L:
Eyes on the prize.

Declan mutters to himself as he takes his final step off of the coals and back onto the cooling sands of Edgewater Beach. Realizing what he’s just done, Alexander’s eyes grow wide and he looks back at his friend.

DEC4L:
LET’S FUCKING GOOOOOOOOOOO, DUDE!

Nathan Eye:
I told you that you could do it! Fantastic job! 

The Intrepid Influencer embraces his friend and mentor, giving him a manly slap on the back after achieving his goals. Nathan reaches into his hoodie pocket. 

Nathan Eye:
Declan … I believe you are now ready. I had these made just for today if everything worked out and I knew it would all work out! Cause you’re just like me! You are Pure Perseverance! 

He hands Declan a pair of his very own “third eye” sunglasses and then helps put them on. 

Nathan Eye:
Now … we are ready! 

Declan Alexander looks into the sky at an imaginary screen with his “third eye” sunglasses.

DEC4L:
I can conceptualize it now. M4NTRA. DEFIANCE Unified Tag Team Champions. Now that… that’s pretty pog.

Nathan Eye:
Pogs are a thing again?

DEC4L:
Say what now?

Nathan looks back at Alexander through “third eye” sunglasses with confusion.

DEC4L:
Ah, I see. Now it’s time for the student to become the teacher.

The conversation continues as the scene pans up into the sky, showing an airplane soaring past the breathtaking sunset.

♫ Oh, I wanna make you take me on your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky
Take me on out on your mighty wings
Take me on your mighty wings tonight
On your mighty wings
Make you take me on your mighty wings across the sky ♫

Footage from DEFtv 188 rolls from the backstage hallway where Tyler Fuse calmly paces forward.

He stops when he finds the door he is looking for.

It reads three numbers:

7 7 7

There's no hesitation in Tyler's next move. He doesn't even knock. He simply opens the door...

Walks inside.

And closes it behind him.

The stately sitting room of Tabitha Kinsey -- adorned with old world furniture, sepia toned photographs of her in her younger days, honorary doctorates and philanthropic awards in custom made gold frames, pictures with politicians of all political stripes, and various accolades from the Daughters of the American Revolution, along with her next of Faberge Eggs at the front of her dark wood antique desk.

Tabitha sits in her high-backed chair, her dark auburn hair styled within the past hour. She also has more makeup on her face than a high-society woman typically wears in an attempt to hide the line of stitches underneath her left eye courtesy of Teri Melton’s punch while wearing her diamond ring. Tabitha sips her tea.

Caitlyn comes limping in. This time, the faceless butler does not need to be asked. Caitlyn does not object as he gives her a big wraparound-style icepack that she places around her ribs. Livia The Black Cat, on Tabitha’s lap, hisses and then leaps off as Caitlyn arrives.

Tabitha Kinsey:
Caitlyn, my dear. Are you okay?

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Honestly? No. Not tonight. Not after this match.

Tabitha Kinsey:
Nor should it be fine. Because as I told you after your last match... accepting losing is a way to always be a loser. Not accepting losing is the only way to become successful. Wanting things so badly that you’ll do anything for victory is the only way to make it in professional wrestling. In life! There’s no need to have a higher purpose to do anything in this world, Caitlyn, other than the purpose of achieving things on your own. 

Caitlyn just holds the ice pack against her neck.

Tabitha Kinsey:
Your boyfriend, JJ? He was at wits end. He was sick of losing. He was about to hang up his wrestling boots if he lost one final match. He bet on himself. He won. He took that match not out of some belief in fighting for something bigger than himself, but solely to prove himself as an individual. And now, look at him. He’s a superstar. He’s the love of your life. 

Caitlyn doesn’t say anything.

Tabitha Kinsey:
You need to bet on yourself, too. Because if you do... and you don’t accept losing... you’ll be free from all of this stress and drama that has been eating you alive.

Caitlyn nods.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Make the call, Grandma. I want to prove this to myself. For myself.

Tabitha smiles wildly as Caitlyn leaves, as Livia returns to her lap for further stroking.

It’s the crack of the morning. The warm orange Louisiana sun beams through the large bank of windows that makes up one whole wall of the gym upstairs at the DEF-plex. At the far end of the facility beyond the machines and rows of weights is a cluster of three wrestling rings. BRAZEN was born here. Main event level stars who’s t-shirt you’re wearing right now were created here. Comebacks that rocked the entire wrestling world were rehabbed here. Unusual alliances that changed DEFIANCE forever were born between these ropes.

BAM

Flesh on canvas, like music. Jack Harmen smiles at ringside as Gage Blackwood picks Bronson Box’s beefy arm and takes the Strongman down to the mat with a harsh, meaty slap. Gage obviously enjoying the friendly sparring match a lot more than his Hall of Famer opponent.

Jack Harmen: [clapping]
Good! Very nice. You two are two of the finest wrestlers this business has ever seen, but those yellow Luck shitstains on the underwear of DEFIANCE have been tag teamin’ since they started walkin’. Y’all two crazy Scot basterds gotta cram a lifetime of tag teamin’ so you guys know what the other’s thinkin’, just like those Luck pricks. 

Box struggles. Both within the hold itself, and obviously biting back the instinct to dig the nails of his free right hand directly into the face of his new partner. Ever observant Jack narrows his eyes at that… 

Jack Harmen:
Box, don’t hold back. Gage isn’t, and we ain’t tap dancin’ here.

Bronson visibly shrugs, swinging his “red right hand” wildly towards the eyes of Blackwood, taking him by surprise. Boxer lunges forward and for a moment starts to dig his nails into Gage’s forehead. Harmen calls time and Box immediately relents. Both men deftly roll through to their feet and share a vaguely heated staredown.

Gage Blackwood:
What the hell, pal?

Bronson Box:
You heard the man, lad… got a lot to do and not a whole lot of time to do it. You remember what we talked about. This ain't some random teamup. This right here was supposed to happen. You know and I know for the fights we both want to pick this comin’ year we’re gonna need to be locked in, hear?

Gage Blackwood: [dabbing his forehead with his fingers]
I feel ya’ Boxy, I feel ya’. Aye, can we draw the line at drawin’ blood? Seems excessive.

The ACE looks to Harmen at ringside who cocks his head.

Jack Harmen:
You threw down one hell of a challenge, kid. Ten moves tops, I believe it was? We don’t need to just win, we need to evaporate these poor souls and prove a POINT to Morrow, to those two pukes, and most importantly, to the Faithful. Pulling punches with you two is a recipe for disaster, cause this is all sense memory -- you practice half mast you’ll be half mast when it counts. Gage. Ruthlessness is what made Bronson Box’s legacy what it is. You know what’s made yours?

Gage raises an eyebrow. As Boxer crosses his arms across his barrel sized chest and listens.

Jack Harmen: [he slaps the canvas for emphasis]
Resilience! You’re the most resilient young man I’ve ever met. I thought my tank never hit E but you’re like the hybrid version. And you two together? That IS DEFIANCE. The perfect combination of determination and resilience. You guys represent the attitude and the fighting spirit that makes this place stand apart from all the bingo parlor promotions out there. Gage, Box, you two are gonna be tag champs, gonna be champs all over again, drown in all the gold, but most importantly, we’re going to check every single person off of all of our shit lists one by gorram one.

Blackwood narrows his eyes and cracks his knuckles.

Gage Blackwood:
Still have a lot of scores to settle. Lot of points to prove ‘round that locker room.

Bronson Box:
An’ prove them we shall, lad. Every cock sure one of ‘em! But you gotta’ do what you told me to do all those months ago when I had my head up my arse and my arse waist deep in a glass of scotch… get yer’ head in the FOOKIN’ GAME, BOY’O!

BWOOOF

The elder Scotsman raises a knee directly into Gage’s breadbasket, sending him staggering back against the ropes. Boxer steps in for an irish whip that Blackwood manages to avoid. Gage uses the gained momentum to roll back through into the same armbar he had locked on at the start of this.

Bronson Box: [yelling out]
Too predictable, lad!

Jack Harmen:
Don’t keep goin’ to that same well, kid! You gotta’...  

A frustrated yet determined look from Gage. He readjusts the hold so Boxer’s middle two fingers are riiiiight in front of his face. 

‘Lad, kid.’ Fine then… 

AHHHHHHHHHHGH

Gage bites down on Bronson’s digits before any more unsolicited advice is flung his direction from Statler and Waldorf up in their proverbial balcony. Blackwood releases Bronson’s fingers from between his teeth then his arm from the hold, in that order. Box rolls back holding his now bleeding fingers… a sick, very Bronson-like smile on his mustachioed face.

Blackwood spits a wad of bloody phlegm to ringside. Obviously satisfied he’s proved his point.

Jack Harmen:
Gross. I like it. Not to mention effective! Not sayin’ we want to carve each other up every training session, but you boys need to tap into that DEF VIBE, man. I was invited to this party and I’ve been proud to be a part of both BRAZEN and DEFIANCE’s recent history. But you two helped throw this party. You two boys represent the beating HEART of this place.

Box and Gage exchange a look of mutual determination.

Jack Harmen:
All you gotta’ do is go out there and show ‘em.

Gage claps Bronson on the shoulder.

Gage Blackwood:
I believe we’ve got more work to do this mornin’.

Bronson Box: [nodding]
Aye, lad. That we do.

Harmen claps excitedly as Box and Blackwood start circling again.

Fade out.

Caitlyn is back in her locker room. She sees the book Dubya gave her and starts reading it further.

Then we hear:

♫ "In Your Eyes" by Peter Gabriel ♫

JJ Dixon emerges from behind the lockers, holding a boombox stridently over his head as he plays the 80s classic. He is wearing a long brown trench coat and the Spoon T-Shirt he wore at the diner earlier. She looks at him, tears welling in her eyes. He puts the boombox down and takes a seat next to Caitlyn, who hides the book on her lap, as her mouth drops and eyes well up in tears at the sweeping, romantic gesture.

JJ Dixon:
Look, Caitlyn. I am so sorry for not being here tonight. Teri’s car —

Caitlyn Kinsey:
No, it’s okay. I get it. It’s fine. Plus, I have something to tell you.

JJ Dixon:
And there’s something I want to tell you…

Caitlyn nods in a “you go first” fashion.

JJ Dixon:
Teri wants us… and I mean us… in Your Uncut Gems. I told her we needed to think about it, but…

Caitlyn’s mouth drops a little bit and it is clear this is big news she does not know how to take, and then she stares at the copy of “The Fountainhead” Dubya gifted her.

JJ Dixon:
What’s your news?

Caitlyn snaps back into things.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Oh, yeah… I have a match on DEFtv…

JJ’s mouth drops himself.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
Against Nicky Synz…

JJ’s mouth drops further.

Caitlyn Kinsey:
And if I lose… I am going to quit DEFIANCE forever.

She and JJ stare at each other, neither able to say anything.

DDK:
We are finally here to our main event! Tonight, before they take on the combination of Alvaro de Vargas and M4NTRA, we’ve got DEFIANCE’s first family, Titanes Familia, when they take on the masked Curt Cunning Experience from BRAZEN!

Lance:
Dan Leo James has really been the one trying to get his friend, Declan Alexander, away from Nathan Eye and Tom Morrow, but it seems like the more he tries, the more Nathan and Tom have sunk their claws into the young streamer. 

DDK:
Titanes Familia will take on M4NTRA in tag team action at MAXDEF, but right now, it’s time to get to our main event with trios action! Uriel Cortez, Titaness and Dan Leo James vs. The Curt Cunning Experience up next! 

To Darren Quimbey for the main!

Darren Quimbey:
The following contest is a trios match set for one fall and is your main event of the evening! Introducing first… 

♫ “My Name Is Thunder” by The Bloody Beetroots feat. JET ♫

The lights flicker back on and the crowd EXPLODES as a spotlight shines in tune with the appearances of the trio. Left side of the ramp: Titaness! Right side of the ramp: Uriel Cortez, arms in the air! Center of the ramp: Dan Leo James! He is standing backwards in the spotlight until Uriel rolls his eyes, flips him around so he’s facing the right side, then points to the ring. 

Darren Quimbey:
They are the team of “The Young Titan” Dan Leo James… “The Show of Force” Titaness… and “The Titan of Industry” Uriel Cortez… TITANES FAMILIA!

The Faithful give them a nice ovation for the team of multiple-time Unified Tag Team Champions! Uriel, Dan and Titaness all high-five the fans heading down to ringside before they reach the ring in the Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. Once they get there, Uriel grabs Titaness and helps her up onto the apron before she climbs inside the ring. Uriel reaches up to grab the top rope so he can pull himself up onto the apron, then he steps over the ropes with ease. Both The Titan of Industry and The Show of Force flex in the ring while Dan Leo James poses along with them on the ring apron! Dan jumps over the ropes and into the ring before they prepare for their opponents. 

♫ “Who Are You?” by The Who ♫

Swirling question marks flash all over the arena as out from the back, the masked ne’er-do-wells from BRAZEN emerge. 

Darren Quimbey:
And their opponents, already in the ring, at a combined weight of 659 pounds, they are the team of “Cunning” Curt Cunning, Curt Cunnnig Dos and Hijo de Curt Cunning… THE CURT CUNNING EXPERIENCE!

The namesake of the group is front and center in a black mask with silver markings and a singlet. The slightly shorter Curt Cunning Dos is wearing a similar mask, but in more chiseled shape at 230 pounds. The shortest member, Hijo de Curt Cunning, has on the same black and silver mask with silver kickpads and MMA-style shorts. They talk strategy amongst themselves as they arrive at the ring. 

DDK:
In last year’s Tag Party IV event, it was Curt Cunning who made it to the finals and thanks to inspiration from Ned Reform, that’s how the Curt Cunning Experience were formed! 

Lance:
We saw Ned Reform make his return last week in shocking fashion! What does he have planned for Masked Violator #1? And where will TA Cole stand in all that?

Questions for another day as the Curt Cunning XP are on their side. Titaness will start for her side while Curt Cunning Dos will start for them. The two circle up as referee Hector Navarro calls for the bell. 

DING DING

Lance:
Here we go. Titaness going up against Curt Cunning Dos. 

Dos locks up with the Show of Force and quickly shifts around. He picks her up and then slams Titaness down to the mat with a rear waistlock! She gets a surprise when Dos picks her up a second time only to bring her down to the same spot. He spins around to the front and then tries to ground her with a front facelock. 

Lance:
Wow, impressive work early by Curt Cunning Dos. From what I’m told, he has a solid amateur wrestling background… but that info came from “Cunning” Curt Cunning himself. 

DDK:
So take it with a grain of salt. Got it. But look at Titaness!

Titaness fights back to her feet and gets the crowd going when she POWERS him up and throws him over with a release overhead throw! The Show of Force sits up and gets cheers from The Faithful! She goes up to her feet and then lands a spear tackle in the corner to double over Dos, then charges across the ring and comes back with a flying shoulder tackle to knock Dos off his feet! 

DDK:
Great power and speed on display by the former Unified Tag Team Champion with her husband, Uriel Cortez! And speaking of… tag to Uriel!

The 7’2” Uriel Cortez steps over the ropes as Titaness lands a double chop to Dos’ chest! Uriel waves to the crowd and gets them cheering before he winds up… THWACK! The Faithful collectively groan as Dos takes the shot and crumbles to the mat! Uriel picks him back up and tags in Dan Leo James! The Utah native gets cheers as well when he climbs in. The 6’7” James leans back.. CRACK! And he nails Dos with a chop as well! 

DDK:
The Familia that chops together wins together! 

Lance:
Dan Leo James has been trying to help out Declan Alexander, but now they’re gonna be across from one another in the ring at DEFtv 189 AND Maximum DEFIANCE! 

He picks up Dos over his shoulder and yells out “YEET!” before he throws Dos up and over his signature delayed back body drop of the same name! Dos hits the canvas as Dan goes for the first cover of the match. 

ONE!

TWO… dropkick by Hijo de Curt Cunning! 

Lance:
Curt Cunning Experience taking no chances tonight against a group as formidable as Titanes Familia! Always strong fan favorites here in DEFIANCE!

DDK:
Dos has an opening… tag to Hijo! 

Hijo de Curt Cunning slides in and hits a penalty kick to the back of Dan Leo James and then tries to ground the big man with a chinlock! “Cunning” Curt is giving him instructions on proper application as he tries to ground the giant. 

Lance:
Hijo trying to ground him… but no! Dan back on his feet! And shoots him towards the Familia’s corner! Tag to Titaness!

Titaness gets into the ring and girl affectionately known by Uriel as One Tall Glass of Kick-Ass picks up Hijo and body slams him on the mat! Dan starts to leave, but Titaness points at him and gestures. Dan shrugs and then allows Titaness to pick HIM up! The Faithful gasp when she uses Dan as a projectile and body slams the big Utah native across the chest of Hijo! 

DDK:
Good lord! That was amazing strength by Titaness! We can’t say enough good things about their teamwork but that was certainly unique! 

Titaness takes in the applause from the crowd as Hijo tries to roll away… allowing “Cunning” Curt to switch place as Dos distracts her. 

Lance:
Wait, Titaness doesn’t see the switch… 

When Titaness turns, she gets WAFFLED by a shocking running superkick! 

DDK:
Surprise kick! They dress so much alike, Hector can’t tell the difference! She gets superkicked!

The Cunning one makes the cover! 

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

“Cunning” Curt can’t believe it and there’s likely genuine surprise under his mask! 

Lance:
That’s the kind of sneaky behavior that allowed Curt Cunning to win and hold onto the BRAZEN Star Cup for several months!

DDK:
Cunning picks up Titaness… whip to the corner!  

Cunning hits a leaping elbow smash to Titaness in their corner. He makes another tag to Dos. Dos slides into the ring and hits a running uppercut in the corner now! He holds Titaness in place, then the tag goes to Hijo who rolls through the ropes. He jumps in and hits a leaping corner kick to Titaness!

DDK:
Triple team move by The Curt Cunning XP! Cover by Hijo! What an upset this would be! 

ONE!

TWO!

NO!

Titaness kicks out and surprises Hijo! 

Lance:
The Curt Cunning Experience in control! Cortez and James are waiting for a chance to tag, but they aren’t giving her one! 

Hijo tries to hit a suplex on Titaness… but before he can get it locked in, Titaness reverses! She hoists him up, but Hijo rolls behind him. Titaness runs off the ropes… and NAILS him with the Lady Lariat!

DDK:
Lady Lariat! Can she get to her husband or her friend? 

Uriel and Dan both have their hands out! “Cunning” Curt tells Dos to get a hand out. Hijo quickly rolls over to tag Dos… but URIEL IS IN THE RING!

DDK:
THE BIG MAN IS IN! LISTEN TO THE FAITHFUL!

Dos gets into the ring and gets smacked down with a huge running shoulder tackle that knocks him backwards! Cunning Curt tries to get away, but Uriel gives him a receipt for trying to sneak attack his wife. He THROWS him into the ring! Both Dos and OG Curt Cunning scramble up to their feet when Uriel charges out of the corner and hits a double DEFIANCE’s Tallest Dropkick! The Cleveland Faithful are going ape for the tallest man in DEFIANCE as he rises to his feet!

Lance:
Uriel gets some payback for that sneak attack by Curt Cunning! Now Titanes Familia going wild here!

DDK:
Uriel grabs Dos… tag to Dan Leo James! 

Uriel and Dan circle Curt Cunning Dos and the two giants. Uriel winds up and LEVELS Dos with a Chop of Ages! Dos hits the mat and stumbles around as Dan gets out of the corner and explodes out with a Jumbo Tsuruta-style jumping knee!

DDK:
Chop of Ages followed by the Dash and Bash! Now Dan has him by the throat! He grabs Dos…

Dan goozles Curt Cunning Dos before picking him up and charging out of the corner with Titan’s Orbit! The running chokeslam connects!

Lance:
Dos just got dropped with Titan’s Orbit by Dan Leo James! You’re the play-by-play guy, Darren, but I gotta call it there! 

Dan makes the cover and as Curt Cunning tries to sneak in, Titaness wipes him out with a big spear! 

ONE!

TWO!

THREE!

DING DING DING

♫ “My Name Is Thunder” by The Bloody Beetroots feat. JET ♫

The Faithful cheer in applause as Titanes Familia notch the win tonight! Uriel Cortez and Titaness join Dan in the ring for the celebration!

Darren Quimbey:
Here are your winners of the match… TITANES FAMILIA!

DDK:
You called it, Lance! Curt Cunning tried to break up the cover, but Titaness stopped him cold! Now Uriel Cortez and Dan Leo James will join forces with Mil Vueltas next week to take on Alvaro de Vargas and the team of M4NTRA in six-man tag team action! 

Lance:
And as we learned earlier tonight, it will be Alvaro de Vargas and Mil Vueltas going one-on-on at Maximum DEFIANCE in a FALLS COUNT ANYWHERE match! The same type of match where Alvaro de Vargas handed what people called the big loss to Henry Keyes before he turned to the dark side! 

DDK:
Maximum DEFIANCE is shaping up to be a heck of a two-night event! For Lance Warner, I am “Downtown” Darren Keebler and thanks for joining us here on UNCUT!

Uriel Cortez, Titaness, and Dan Leo James all have their hands raised by Hector Navarro in the ring. Dan Leo James then looks to the camera. 

Dan Leo James:
Don’t worry, Declan! We’ll save you, buddy! I won't make you run over hot coals like that assbutt Nathan Eye! 

THIS.

IS.

DEFIANCE.